Keto Black Garlic Mushroom Spread

This is a creamy spread made from chopped mushrooms sautéed in olive oil, mashed black garlic and softened cream cheese, blended until smooth. Black garlic is fermented garlic with a sweet, tangy flavor, and it gives the mushrooms more depth than ordinary garlic would. The recipe makes 8 servings of 2 tablespoons each and takes 25 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep and 15 of cooking.

Save this recipe for later:

There are only seven ingredients, and the spread is meant for low-carb crackers or fresh vegetables. Each serving has 3 grams of carbohydrates, so it fits a keto or low-carb plan.

Why Black Garlic and Mushrooms Work Together

Black garlic has a depth of flavor that comes from fermentation, and it reads as sweet rather than sharp. Sautéed mushrooms bring their own umami, and the two together taste rich and a little gourmet for something made in one skillet. The cream cheese and the fresh parsley keep the result creamy and fresh, so the short ingredient list does not taste plain.

The spread suits meal prep and entertaining alike. It keeps well in the refrigerator, and a batch is enough for eight servings.

What Goes in the Spread

The recipe card lists the full amounts. These are the ingredients that decide the flavor and texture.

• Mushrooms (2 cups, chopped): they are the main ingredient, with a rich, earthy flavor and a satisfying texture.
• Black garlic (4 cloves, mashed): sweet and tangy, it adds the depth that sets this spread apart. It goes in near the end of the sauté and cooks for just one more minute.
• Cream cheese (1/4 cup, softened): it binds the spread and makes it smooth and creamy.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): for sautéing the mushrooms.
• Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): it adds color and a fresh taste.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): adjust both to taste.

Getting the Texture Right

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the chopped mushrooms. Cook them until they are tender and golden brown, which brings out their natural flavor. Medium heat keeps them from burning and lets them cook evenly. Stir in the black garlic and cook for another minute.

Combine the mushroom mixture with the cream cheese, parsley, salt and pepper in a bowl, then blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier spread, hold back some of the sautéed mushrooms and stir them in after blending.

Ways to Change It

• More cheese: shredded mozzarella or Parmesan adds a savory layer and makes the spread creamier. The cheese pairs well with the black garlic and mushrooms.
• More heat: crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper give the earthy mushrooms and garlic a spicy kick.
• Different herbs: thyme, chives or dill can replace the parsley, and each gives the spread its own flavor, so you can tailor it to your taste.

How to Serve It

Low-carb crackers are the obvious partner, and cucumber slices and bell pepper strips give crunch without any carbs from crackers. The spread also works as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, where it adds moisture and a rich taste, and you can stir it into omelets or scrambled eggs for a gourmet breakfast. For a party, set it out on a charcuterie board with assorted meats, cheeses and olives.

Storage and Timing

Store the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Take out what you need and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften, so it spreads more easily.

Prep takes 10 minutes for chopping the mushrooms, mashing the black garlic and gathering the ingredients. Cooking takes 15 minutes, and the total is 25 minutes. Prepping the ingredients the night before makes the cooking even quicker.

Nutrition per Serving

A serving is 2 tablespoons. It has about 100 calories, 9 grams of fat (4 grams saturated), 3 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, 3 grams of protein and 150 milligrams of sodium. These are estimates.

FAQ

What is black garlic?

Fermented garlic with a sweet, tangy flavor and a soft texture. It is made through an aging process that brings out its natural sugars and gives it a complex taste.

How long does the spread keep?

Up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. That makes it handy for meal prep or quick snacks.

Is the spread keto-friendly?

It fits a low-carb plan. A 2-tablespoon serving has 3 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of sugar, and the ingredients are mushrooms, black garlic, cream cheese, olive oil, parsley and seasoning, with no flour or sugar.

Can regular garlic replace black garlic?

You can use it, but the flavor will be quite different. Black garlic is sweet with an umami taste that regular garlic does not have, so it is the better choice here.

How can the spread be used?

With low-carb crackers or fresh vegetables, or as a topping for grilled meats. It also goes into omelets and scrambled eggs.

The Foodie Yummy Cookbook

12 reader-favorite recipes in one printable PDF. Enter your email and download it instantly.

Made it or loved it? Share this recipe

Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us